AFBF Economist: Farmer Losses Mounting Despite Federal Assistance

AFBF Economist Faith Parum discusses the financial challenges currently facing farmers and the Farm Bureau’s 2026 outlook for the farm economy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Despite recent federal assistance, many farmers continue to face financial pressure. Rising operating expenses are pushing break-even prices higher, while commodity prices remain too low for many producers to fully offset those costs.

Faith Parum, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to break down what recent data show about farm income and losses over the past several years, including the role of federal assistance payments.

In her interview with RFD NEWS, Parum discussed the factors influencing farm profitability today, from production costs to current market conditions, and outlined policy options available to Congress to support the farm economy. The conversation also touched on discussions from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual convention last week and the overall sentiment among producers in attendance.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

NCGA President Jed Bower joins us to discuss the House passage of year-round E15 legislation, potential opposition in the Senate, China trade talks, and spring planting progress.
Scouts say yields are landing close to USDA projections as they monitor drought pressure and abandonment concerns.
U.S. Wheat Associates is expanding into global fish feed markets, with early gains in South America and new opportunities emerging in Ecuador’s shrimp industry.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses the recent hantavirus outbreak linked to a South American cruise ship and Nebraska’s monitoring efforts on this week’s Rural Health Matters.
Andy Tauer from the National Pork Board discusses efforts to boost pork demand and how the industry is responding to trade restrictions related to pseudorabies.
Dr. Robert Ellis joins us to discuss economic challenges in agriculture, available resources for farmers, and ways producers can evaluate practices to strengthen their operations.